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Amarillo
p86    10 hours (547 miles) northwest of La Grange, in the top "smokestack" of Texas
City mentioned in "The Bus From Amarillo"

Baird
p87    5 hours ( 278 miles )west of La Grange, near Forth Worth
City mentioned in "The Bus From Amarillo"  

Cisco  
p87    5 hours (253 miles) northwest of La Grange, near Fort Worth   
City mentioned in "The Bus From Amarillo"

Dallas   
p71    4 hours (216 miles) directly north of La Grange
City the Chicken Ranch girls are accused of being from by the townspeople

Fayette County      
Texas county La Grange is located in. Referred to as 'Lanvil County' in the musical   
   
Galveston
p14   
159 miles (2.5 hours by car) east of La Grange. Located on Galveston Island just inside the Gulf of Mexico. Became connected to La Grange with the construction of railroad lines. Home to Texas A&M University, home of the Aggies. A vacation and resort site.
   
Gilbert
p42    non de plume for La Grange, TX - the location of the real life Chicken Ranch   

La Grange
Texas city roughly 4000 pop. that housed the real Chicken Ranch brothel. Referred to as 'Gilbert' in the musical.   

Lanvil County
p 49    non de plume for Fayette County, the county the Chicken Ranch was located in   
   
Padre Island
p44    South Padre Island. Almost 7 hr south of La Grange, near San Antonio. A small island just inside the Gulf Coast. Vacation destination.   
This is where the Sheriff's personal fishing lodge is located.

San Antoine
p87    seems to refer to San Antonio, TX. 2 hours (118 miles) west of La Grange
This is  the destination of the bus in "The Bus From Amarillo"  

Shreveport   
p83    in Louisiana. 6 hours (319 miles) northeast of La Grange
City Ginger is heading to after the closing of the Chicken Ranch.   

Wichita Falls   
p82    6 hours (323 miles) northwestern of La Grange, past Fort Worth       
City Ginger is originally from.



Terms

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Thumbnail image for 2007_Aggies_at_Kyle_Field.jpgAggie
p7
Refers to any athlete, student, or alum of Texas A&M in Galveston, TX. The name most likely comes from the original name of the University, with the A&M standing for Agricultural and Mechanical. Their biggest rival is the University of Texas Longhorns. For more info, see Rivalry below.


alaska_oil_pipeline.jpgAlaska Pipeline
p82   
The Trans Alaska Pipeline System was designed and constructed to move oil from the North Slope of Alaska to the northern most ice-free port in Valdez, Alaska. Construction began on March 27, 1975 and was completed on May 31, 1977.
More facts.



Angelettes
p54
Customized organization. They are actually the female dance team for Angelo State University in San Angelo, TX. The drill team for Texas A&M is formed from their Corps of Cadets. This reference is to form a comparison between the Chicken Ranch girls - who are actually prostitutes but maintain a sense of order - and the Angelettes - the approved version that is virginal while behaving like a whore.


Animal Husbandry
p55   
The science of breeding, feeding & care of domestic animals; includes housing and nutrition.


assled around   
p86   
Unsure of specific meaning. Seems to be southern and equating to 'wasted time' in the same sense as "putted around and didn't get anything done"


Danger Bad Curve Sign.JPGbad curve sign
p11   
a sign denoting a bad curve ahead, such as the right. Could also refer to a typical yellow sign referencing a turn or winding road.


barbeque sauce enough for LBJ
   
p86   
Lyndon B. Johnson ( 36th President) was known for using his own special recipe of bar-b-q sauce on his Texas ranch. Find it here.


broke bread with
  
p84   
ate a meal with; connotes having a amicable relationship with the mentioned person


burg

p45   
a city or town


café lingo   
p77   
a slang used by workers at diners from at least 1850-1970's. It is dying with the advent of fast food. The strange phrases are used to break up monotony as well as make orders distinguishable to the cook over the bustling noise. Cool guide here.


called more names than a baseball umpire
p26   
Colloquial hyperbole original to the script. Possibly related to the fact that umpires call the game, or that umpires are cursed at when things go ill for one team or the other.


cap gun.jpgcap gun
p47    
A toy pistol with a hammer action that detonates a mildly explosive cap.



cardboard suitcase

p87   
suitcases used to be made of re-enforced cardboard, light for easy transit and sturdy for sitting and stacking. Also, these would be much cheaper than other options, making it the choice for laypeople.



cedar breaks.jpgceder breaks
p42   
A reference to Cedar Breaks Park. Cedar Breaks Park is located on the south side of Georgetown Lake, which is located in the hill country area of Texas approximately 25 miles north of Austin.   


certain kind of French   
p27   
reference to oral sex because of similarities by using the female's mouth


claber   
p84   
from clabber, which is milk that has soured and thickened; curdled milk. Very smelly and gross. The Sheriff means that he doesn't know how the media was able to ruin the brothel.


cotillion.jpgcotillion
p59   
The Cotillion is a type of patterned social dance that originated in France in the 1700s and was originally made up of four couples in a square formation. In the United States, Cotillion has become training that children and young adults attend to learn manners and proper social behavior in the context of formal dance. The participants dress in formal attire and some cotillions emphasize the use of white gloves.



cottongin.jpgcotton gin
p28   
Though we typically think of the cotton gin and all jobs related to it outdated, there is still a cotton industry for those workers.
Current job description:
Cotton Gin Yard Supervisor - Supervises and coordinates activities of workers engaged in receiving bulk cotton in cotton ginning establishment: Directs workers engaged in unloading bulk cotton and routing it to storage bins or to ginning stands through vacuum conveyor pipes. Maintains records of quantity and location of stored cotton.


craw
p44   
Miss-use of word original to script. Noun. 1. the crop of a bird or insect. 2. the stomach of an animal. Idiom: stick in (one's) craw - To cause one to feel abiding discontent and resentment.


do to run the river with
p11   
Texas colloquialism. Means that the person spoken of is reliable.


drill team
robert_e_lee_drill_team_houston.jpgp54   
A drill team is a marching unit that performs military style maneuvers in public venues, such as football half-times. Other types of drill teams include teams that include dancers, flag twirlers, and non-martial performances. These teams perform routines that may be danced in unity to a variety of instrumental upbeat music. The Angelettes are of the latter variety (like the picture), unlike the actual Texas A&M drill team that is of the former.


Eggs_Benedict.jpgEggs Benedict
p74   
A dish that consists of a half of an English muffin, topped with ham or bacon, poached eggs, and hollandaise sauce. Full description of how to make the best one ever here.       






faster than goose shit would run through a tin horn

p43   
Metaphor original to the script. Most likely means 'really fast' while sounding very colloquial.


Fellowship of Christian Athletic Supporters

p54   
Organization original to the script. Most likely a spin on the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, only here the girls are not allowed to be athletes themselves, only supporters (much as an 'athletic support' or jockstrap) as a comment on the lack of possibilities for females at this period in history.   


Five and Dime
p39   
A store where everything cost either five cents (a nickel) or ten cents (a dime). These stores originally featured merchandise priced at only five cents or ten cents, although later the price range expanded. Inflation eventually dictated that the stores were no longer able to sell any items for five or ten cents, and were then referred to as "variety stores". Given that $0.05 in 1913 when adjusted for inflation is $1.02 in 2006 dollars, this retailing concept still works for today's 'dollar stores'. More info


Frederick's of Hollywood

p38   
Founded 1946 as the first dealer of 'little black underthings.' Example. Created the push-up bra, front-hook bras, bras with shoulder pads, padded girdles, body shapers and colorful fashion bustiers, as well as thong underwear. Site.



garter belt.jpggarter belt
p53   
A woman's undergarment consisting of an elastic piece of cloth worn around the waist to which garters are attached to hold up stockings. Info


glee club
p51   
A choir which traditionally specializes in singing short songs. Glee in this context does not refer to the mood of the music or its singers, but to a specific form of English 17th and 18th century part song, the glee. Most American Glee Clubs are choruses in the standard sense and no longer perform glees. Viewed as wholesome


goody-two-shoes
p84   
Someone who is virtuous in a coy, smug or sentimental manner. Most likely derived from the 1765 nursery tale The History of the Goody Two-Shoes.


gunny sack
p37   
A bag made of burlap. Gunny sacks are traditionally used for transporting grains, potatoes, and other agricultural products. Denotes a 110 lb of potatoes


hard candy Christmas
p81   
Hard candy is usually much cheaper than other candy, like chocolate or gummies. It is, then, not only the bite of the candy that marks it as a sad time, but the inability to attain something more.


hayseed
p31   
Noun. 1. Grass seed shaken out of hay. 2. Pieces of chaff or straw that fall from hay.
Slang.  A bumpkin; a yokel.


headache powder

p27   
A powdered form of aspirin


honeyfuggin'
p15   
Slang original to the script. Sexual intercourse.


honky tonk.jpghonky tonk
p35   
A type of country music, usually performed by a small band with electric and steel guitars. Also denotes the culture surrounding the music itself, such as dress, place, lifestyle, et cetera. Music.


hot check
p20   
A 'bad check'. A check that illegal and unable to be cashed. 'Worthless check'. Here Mona is asking if Angel has engaged in this type of activity.    


ice cream social
p51
A picnic featuring ice cream, often held for the purpose of raising money for charity. Often feature old-fashioned ice cream makers. Generally considered very wholesome.


in clover
p41   
Figure of speech.  Having good fortune; in a very good situation, especially financially.


incorporated sandtrap
p48   
Incorporated refers to several small communities gathering together under one governing body while maintaining some independence. While 'Gilbert' might be incorporated, La Grange is a city in its own right. Altogether the slang phrase is referencing Gilbert as a very very small community of people.


Jaycee

p43   
A member of a junior chamber of commerce


Johns
p20   
A prostitute's patrons, particularly male.


longhorns.jpgLonghorns
p53   
Athletics programs including all the extramural and intramural sports teams of The University of Texas at Austin. The biggest rival to Texas A&M's Aggies. This game takes place annually on the weekend of Thanksgiving. For more information see Rivalry below. 


Madam
p18   
A woman who manages a brothel, though in more recent years it has come to denote anyone who runs a brothel.


Mafia scare   
p78   
The official reason for investigating and shutting down the Chicken Ranch was because of allegations that they were involved in a crime ring. No evidence was ever found to prove this.


Mairzy Doats....   
p66   
A famous 1940's silly nursery song that was revived in the 1960's. Ref.
Translates to: "Mares eat oats and does (female deer) eat oats and little lambs eat ivy. A kid'll eat ivy too, wouldn't you?"


moonshiners
p42   
Those who make home-distilled alcohol. Easily contaminated with toxins, such as glycol from antifreeze. Methanol, sometimes used, can cause blindness or death. Being found with moonshine is illegal, and is punishable by a 5-20 year prison sentence judging by the amount possessed. To get rid of moonshine plants, local authorities and explosive experts use a controlled concussive blast to destroy them. Intl info.


nookie   
p70   
Slang for sexual intercourse.


pancake make-up
p26   
A cosmetic or theatrical makeup made of a soluble, matte powder compressed into a thin cake and typically applied with a damp sponge, i.e. it has no shading or depth. Also denotes the use of too much, creating an obvious layer on the face.


panhandle   
Texas_Panhandle.PNGp74   
Reference to the 'panhandle' of Texas, the square-like northern protrusion on its western side. It's largest city is Amarillo.


Peanut Delight Candy Bar
p33.   
Fake candy. References the fame Marvin Zindler (Melvin P. Thorpe's character) received by getting the manufacturer of a candy bar to admit they advertised more nuts than were actually in the bar.


Pecos Rodeo
p61   
Reference to the West of the Pecos Rodeo. World's first rodeo, annually held in Pecos, TX. 2009 will be its 127th rodeo.   


peckerwoods
p85   
Slang term 19th century southern Black Americans used to describe poor whites. In the 1940s, the abbreviated version "wood" entered California prison slang, originally meaning an Okie mainly from the San Joaquin Valley; but in about 1970 it became applied to white inmates as a whole, regardless of background. Info.


peepin' tom
p43   
A person who gets pleasure, especially sexual pleasure, from secretly watching others.


peroxide blond(es)
p35
A blond whose hair is bleached with peroxide. Similar to 'bottle blond'. Used as an light insult.


piddly squatin'
p21   
insubstantial, dinky. similar to diddly squat.


Pimp
p19
One who finds customers for a prostitute, usually an older male.

pissant.jpg
Pissant
p21   
Noun.  1.  One that is insignificant or contemptible 2. Obsolete An ant (esp one of a small variety). See picture. -->


play-pretties
p37   
A child's plaything; a toy. Particularly used in TX and OK.
  


pullet.jpgpullet(s)
p15   
A young domestic hen, usually one that is less than one year old.


roughnecks
p21
Noun.  1. An uncouth person. 2. A rowdy.
3. A member of the crew of an oil rig other than the driller.


Rivalry
rivalry.jpg(mentioned above)

The annual football game between Texas A&M and the University of Texas takes place on the weekend of Thanksgiving. The Texas-Texas A&M rivalry dates back to 1894. It is the longest-running rivalry for both teams and is also the third most-played rivalry in Division 1-Acollege football. Since 1900, the last regular season football game is usually reserved for their matchup.

Aspects of the rivalry include:

  • Each school mentions the other in their fight song
  • Each school has elaborate pre-game preparations for the annual football clash, including the Aggie Bonfire and the Longhorn Hex Rally
  • In the past, mischief has preceded the annual game, such as "kidnapping" each other's mascots

run rabbits with   
p84   
Refers to practice of rabbit-hunting where beagles chase and run the rabbits back towards the hunter.


san juan hill.jpgSan Juan Hill   
p11   
(July 1, 1898) was the bloodiest and most famous battle of the Spanish-American War. It was also one of the greatest victories for the Rough Riders, lead by Teddy Roosevelt.


sawed-off (little fart)   
p51   
adjective   1. ☆ designating a shotgun with the barrel cut off short   2. ☆ Informal short in stature a skinny, sawed-off man.


sidestep 
  
p69   
To dodge an issue or a responsibility.


sin is runnin' rampant like before the fall of Rome

p46   
Before the fall of Rome morality had depleted so far that laws were instituted to force marriage upon the people because there were so few legitimate heirs, if any at all, because of promiscuity and prostitution. Info.    


Snake bite medicine
p61   
Here: slang for whiskey, or other strong alcohol. From the inferences throughout the play we can assume that Lanvil is a dry county (i.e. hard liquor is illegal).


stag parties at Legionnaires Hall
p50   
Parties for men only (or considered suitable for men only). Most likely the 'Legionnaires Hall' refers to a men's social club, likened to an Elk's Lodge.


stem-winder
p54   
Noun.  1.  A stem-winding watch. 2. A rousing oration, especially a political one.


Teasipper
p56   
Used by Texas A&M Aggies to describe a Texas Longhorn. Possibly originates from UT having once had a richer student population than A&M, a more vocationally minded institution.


Tangiers   
p70   
City in northern Morocco known for being exotic. Colonized by Portugal from 1437-1661, then alternately by England, France, Spain, and Italy before achieving independence in 1956.


Texas Rangers

Texas rangers.jpgp19   
Founded in 1823, when colonizer Stephen F. Austin called for men to "Range" the frontier. The modern Texas Rangers are an investigative division of the Texas Department of Public Safety. They have been called one of the most effective investigative law enforcement agencies in the world.   


The Gong Show
p50   
Television parody of variety shows. (1976-1989) Formatted as a contest between amateurs who judges could stop at any moment by banging a gong should the act be poor in quality. The goal was to complete the act before the gong was hit.  


The Jesus Bunch
p50   
Slang original to the script. References conservative Christians.

       
thumb-buster
thumb-buster.jpgp48   
A single action revolver, so named because the hammer must be cocked by the shooter's thumb each time the weapon is fired. The Colt Peacemaker is an example. 

      
Tupperware
p18   
Founded in 1945 with use of original 'burping' airtight seal. A plastics company that produces good for the preparation and storage of food. Known for selling goods through house parties. American company, originated in MA. Documentary. Site


V for Victory 
  
p65   
Hand sign used to symbolize victory. Used by President Nixon. *Note: At the time the musical takes place Nixon had not yet uttered the words "I am not a crook" and had only just been implicated in Watergate*


vagged
p20
Slang. Short for being arrested for vagrancy. 



vigilante   
p72   
One who takes or advocates the taking of law enforcement into one's own hands.


widestep   
p69   
Usage original to script. Likely means a wide sidestep that not only skirts the issue, but allows it to pass by entirely.


with our tails in a crack
p43
From "with our tail between our legs", meaning running away in retreat, like a scared animal.




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People

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Here is a guide to all of the historical characters mentioned in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas:

Dolly.jpgDolly Parton
p26
Dolly Rebecca Parton (born January 19, 1946) is a Grammy Award-winning American singer-songwriter, author, actor and philanthropist, known for her prolific work in country music. In the 44 years since her national chart debut, she remains the most successful female artist in the history of country music. She is known for her distinctive mountain soprano, sometimes bawdy humor, flamboyant dress sense and voluptuous figure. (As well as being distinctive for large blonde hair in the 1970's.)


Johnny Carson.jpgJohnny Carson
p79   
(1925-2005) Hosted NBC's The Tonight Show from 1962-1992. The remark that the Chicken Ranch story is either ridiculous because this was solely a local affair, or the issue would have been mentioned in Carson's opening monologue as a comment on the current news issues.
http://www.johnnycarson.com/carson/


welk.jpgLawrence Welk
p43   
The Lawrence Welk Show begin in 1955 and ran until 1982. The show featured easy-listening music and a 'family' of wholesome performers. Though it was canceled by ABC in 1971, Welk lined up over 200 independent stations to form his own syndicated network. Very popular with all generation of viewers as an alternative to brash sitcoms.   
http://www.museum.tv/archives/etv/L/htmlL/lawrencewelk/lawrencewelk.htm


Thumbnail image for Theodore_Roosevelt.jpgTeddy Roosevelt
p11   
(1858-1919) Lead the Rough Riders at charge of San Juan Hill. 26th President (1901-1909)


Gunsmoke08.JPGMatt Dillon (with a toothache)
p49   
Marshal Matt Dillon is a fictional character featured on both the radio and television versions of Gunsmoke. He serves as the U.S. Marshal of Dodge City, Kansas who works to preserve law and order in the western frontier of the 1870's. Radio series 1952-61, television series from 1955-1975


Mike wallace.jpgMike Wallace
p44   
Famous broadcast journalist. Best known for work on 60 Minutes, which he has been with since 1968.    http://www.museum.tv/archives/etv/W/htmlW/wallacemike/wallacemike.htm


Thumbnail image for Sam-Houston.jpgSam Houston
p60   
(1793-1863) Born VA, became Gov of TN, exited politics and moved to TX with some friends after living with the Cherokee for a few years. Became very involved in TX politics. His troupes secured TX independence from Mexico and he became the President of the Republic of TX. Continued to serve in various offices until the state seceded in 1861.    http://www.lsjunction.com/people/houston.htm


tammy wynette.jpgTammy Wynette
p19  
(1942-1998) Famous county singer. Best known for her song "Stand By Your Man".   http://www.tammywynette.com/


walter_cronkite.jpgWalter Cronkite
p44   
Born 1969. Broadcast journalist best known as an anchorman for CBS from 1950 to 1981. Once considered "most trusted figure" in American public life   
http://www.museum.tv/archives/etv/C/htmlC/cronkitewal/cronkitewal.htm


Will-Rogers.jpegWill Rogers
p48   
1879-1935. Oklahoman Cherokee cowboy, known for his skill with a lasso (landing him in the Guinness Book of World Records) as well as his sharp wit. His acts became best known for his ingenious jokes as time went on. A 10th grade drop-out, he became a star in 71 films and several Broadway shows. He also wrote 6 books and over 4,000 syndicated newspaper columns.   
http://www.willrogers.com/    http://www.willrogers.org/wrbio.html

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